The 2018 Subaru WRX has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 235,902 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10
2crashes
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8
1injuries
STEERING
7
5crashes2injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6
POWER TRAIN
6
1fires
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4
AIR BAGS
3
2crashes1injuries
WHEELS
3
2crashes2injuries
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1
1crashes
Total complaints63
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can…”
“Subaru orange coast and ocean subaru of fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naã¯ve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.”
“2/17/2026 mileage 96,000 subaru case number case # 260217-2101937 vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches nhtsa recall 22v-522000. The recall repair was…”
“2/17/2026 mileage 96,000 subaru case number case # 260217-2101937 vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches nhtsa recall 22v-522000. The recall repair was…”
“2/17/2026 mileage 96,000 subaru case number case # 260217-2101937 vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches nhtsa recall 22v-522000. The recall repair was…”
“Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.”
“Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The…”
“When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2018 Subaru WRX as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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